DUNGUN: Mat Kilau's fort at Padang Jerangau in Kampung Pasir Raja here, a symbol of the Malay warrior's resistance against British colonial rule, has fallen into neglect and is in urgent need of conservation to prevent the historic site from disappearing.
Kampung Pasir Raja federal village development and security committee (JPKKP) chairman Adnan Apil said villagers feared the historic fort would gradually disappear if the relevant authorities did not undertake immediate conservation and restoration work to protect the site.
The 72-year-old said the earthwork fort, measuring about 14.6 metres wide and 17.2 metres long, is now barely visible after becoming overgrown with thick foliage.
Prolonged exposure to weather and erosion also threatens the remaining structure.
"It would be a great loss if this valuable historical site continues to be neglected. Without conservation efforts, we fear the fort will gradually deteriorate until this important reminder of our nation's struggle is eventually lost," he said on Saturday (July 18).
He explained the fort's remote location near the Terengganu-Pahang border contributed to the lack of maintenance despite its historical significance as one of the remaining physical traces of Mat Kilau's resistance against British colonial rule.
Meanwhile, Kampung Shukor JPKKP chairman Tengku Rosman Tengku Jaafar said the fort should be preserved as a national heritage site and educational reference for younger generations to appreciate Mat Kilau's struggle against British rule.
The 57-year-old said allowing the site to deteriorate would deprive future generations of the opportunity to witness a tangible symbol of the courage and sacrifices made by Malay warriors in defending the country's sovereignty.
"The fort also has strong potential to boost historical tourism in Dungun through the Mat Kilau Trail, retracing the route he travelled from Kuala Lipis in Pahang to Pasir Raja during his resistance against British forces," he said.
Meanwhile, Insaf Malaysia Terengganu representative Othman Omar said government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local communities should work together continuously to safeguard the heritage site through coordinated conservation and public awareness initiatives.
He said activities including community clean-up programmes, restoration works, heritage trails, exhibitions and historical talks could revive the area while educating the public on the importance of preserving the nation's historical and cultural legacy.
Othman also expressed hope that the state government and relevant agencies would give greater attention to the site to ensure Mat Kilau's legacy remains protected and continues inspiring future generations of Malaysians.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Historical Society Dungun branch honorary secretary Wan Rosli Wan Ngah said the association planned to reconstruct Mat Kilau's Fort based on its original design to preserve its historical authenticity.
He said most of the original structure had disappeared because of soil erosion and prolonged exposure to weather, leaving only remnants of the earthwork standing between 0.6 metre and one metre above ground.
"The Dungun branch of the Malaysian Historical Society submitted an application to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture three months ago for funding to undertake the reconstruction and conservation of Mat Kilau's Fort," he said.
He added that the association also planned to organise a community clean-up programme at the site next month to foster patriotism and encourage greater public appreciation for preserving the nation's historical heritage. – Bernama
